2/2 - I’m starting a beaded sock business, women did it again, and the hottest chocolate on the market
Friday’s Newsletter
I have a crazy idea… remember those beaded ankle socks you’d wear as a little kid? After doing 5 minutes of hardcore research and not finding any Etsy maker that sells adult sizes, I’ve decided I’m going to make my own.
They would be so cute with white sneakers and I’m in the mood for a crafty project. I’ll report back with some model pics when I’m done. Fingers crossed this crochet blog from the early 2000’s doesn’t do me dirty. 🧦
:)
Thought Starters
Men are from Mars and I guess it’s women’s fault
*article*
There was a graph going around Twitter a couple weeks ago highlighting the “ideological gap” between men and women. With many things on the internet, I’m readily dubious and when I saw this carefully cropped chart and the polarized chatter it inspired, I took note but it didn’t keep me up at night.
I’m grateful Lyz Lenz brought it up in her newsletter Men Yell at Me because her writing touches a feeling I’ve been ruminating on and can’t seem to kick. The chart, which data scientists point out is exaggerated, isn’t the main focus of Lyz’s criticism. She uses it as an example of an underlying cultural idea: female liberation can only exist if there is male alienation. It’s a scarcity mindset that believes there’s only so much freedom, justice, autonomy to go around.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the female founders of the mid-2010’s that rose to the highest heights, only to have their empires crash and burn. They all followed in the steps of the VCs and male founders before them. They girlbossed their way to the top, attempting to follow all the rules, jump through all the hoops, and win the game. The prize was wealth, power, and fame, but like any good myth, it all came at a cost. Unsafe and inequitable working conditions, racism, misogyny, bigotry - the same things these female founders claimed to war against in their brand manifestos, they ended up manifesting in their millennial pink kingdoms.
We are routinely presented with this false dilemma of the choice between girlbossing in a world built by men and homesteading on the countryside with eight kids, but there has to be another way to play the game. Another way to create and flourish. And maybe it’s not playing the game in the first place.
I’ve spent a lot of my twenties raging “against the injustice of it all” and I’m just now beginning to see the hope in building something better. In the words of Lyz: “Rarely do we talk about how liberation and freedom benefit everyone.”
“It doesn’t take much to get people to opine about the state of men in America. The Washington Post editorial board and David Brooks will all jump to the rescue when the “but what about the men” bat signal is flashed into the sky, eager to blame these perceived losses on men-hating feminists or the #MeToo movement.”
“The zero-sum capitalist thinking presumes that if women are winning (we aren’t, btw) then men must be losing. But a 2022 report on boys in the U.K. suggested that when young boys learn about gender stereotypes, misogyny, allyship with women, and different types of masculinity it leads to better educational attainment and mental health.”
Things to do
Thoughtful Coffee is popping up at Villager
When: February 3rd, 10 am - 1 pm
What: I’ve been following Thoughtful Coffee for a while and they’re a great source of info if you’re a coffee nerd who wants to know all the gritty details about roasting/brewing your own beans. Brian runs a low-key operation and clearly loves what they do. Thoughtful Coffee will be serving up some warm beverages tomorrow in Prospect Heights - you should stop by and say hello!
Gentle yoga and creative expression at McCarren Park
When: February 21st, 6 - 7:30 pm
What: Kelly teaches yoga at my gym and is a grounding and encouraging force. She’s hosting a special night of intentional movement and creativity at the McCarren Parkhouse. The practice includes a 45 minute flow followed by an art activity where you can get to know those around you (and yourself) a little better.
Products
Puzzle Mats
*home decor*
You probably know Mylle for their aesthetic kiddie pools but they’ve added something new to their collection. These mats remind me of a grown-up version of the mats you’d find in a playroom They make a great foundation for working out or can give your office area a little pop. I’m a fan.
What is it? Black and Cream Shapes Mat
How much? $125
Supermoon Chocolates
*sweet treats*
Supermoon is my favorite, over-the-top, pastry spot in New York. We have a newish tradition of getting their Thanksgiving pie every year, which has a million layers and delicious toppings.
They launched chocolates yesterday and they’re available for shipping across the US, spreading the Supermoon love from sea to shining sea. Well, lots of folks were jazzed about this and the candy sold out in under 24 hours. But! They plan on releasing another drop soon so you should sign up for their mailing list to be notified.
What is it? Chocolate Box
How much? $50